Last year I promised not to go back to Governor’s Ball ever again, so what did I do? I spent $500 on VIP tickets this year and I will at Randall’s Island June 7th – June 9th and ESPECIALLY June 9th for the Kanye West gig. West killed me dead at 12-12-12 last year and I couldn’t be more excited to see him. Now will I dump Saturday altogether? I am seriously considering it and I am definitely leaving early! So no GNR for me, but plenty of KoL and Kweezy.
Wednesday – Syd Straw – Bowery Ballroom – a giant of alt rock and always a pleasure to catch up with
Wednesday – The National – With their best album ever just released, this should be something of hero worship time. Maybe they will even cheer up a little
Wednesday – Gary US Bond – If you think Gary is just Springsteen’s [lay thing that he eventually got sick, try this great soul man in concert.
Wednesday – Patti Smith – I can’t say I love her on record any more, but in concert she’s a terror to behold. A birthday party for the Spanish poet Federico Garcia Lorca… who died in 1936.
Thursday – Big Country – the Wonder Bar – Sure they were one hit wonders but, not unlike Gary Numan, they redefined pop once again with the biggest sound in the world: the rock song anthem has never been bigger.
Thursday – Christopher Paul Stelling – the Living Room – No sophomore slump on False Cities, this is as big a guitar sound as you will find by any folkie anywhere.
Friday – Cute Is What We Aim for – Studio at Webster Hall – Top emo band.
Saturday –Judy Collins – the Town hall – Sweet Judy blue eyes made Leonard Cohen palatable for the world!
Saturday – Paul McCartney – the Beatles bass player.
Sunday – Bilal – SOBS – Not so hot at the Prince Carnegie Hall tribute, but who was? The new album is good.